Coin and Paper Money Collecting/a silver penny?

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Expert: - 2/27/2009


Question
I found a penny that exactly like all other pennys. Was made in 2000 but the penny is silver, I began to think maybe someone chrome dipped it at there work but am not sure. The penny seem's to have no markings of copper at all on it anywhere but has a few dings on the edge of it where it seemed to be dropped. But no copper or flaking on it.

Answer
Josh,

It could be plated, but it could also be that you have an unfinished planchet error.  Since mid-1982 all pennies are made of 95% zinc, with a thin outer coating of copper.  If it does not get the copper coating, the penny will be silvery colored. These are worth a couple dollars.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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